Devpt to injustice: Shift in BJP

Political analysts believe that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who played religious and sentiment card in 2002 and got re-elected on Gujarat Development model in 2007 and 2012 has changed his campaign strategy.

Modi led the BJP and NDA to power at the centre in 2014 on Gujarat’s Development Model. But in his last campaign tour to Gujarat, the charismatic and popular face of the BJP, spoke about the injustice to Gujarat. It is a significant shift from the development to injustice plank to win votes on sentiments which indicates feeling of insecurity, experts say. 

Amit Dholakia, professor of political science department of MSU, said, “The resentment on ground has grown much faster than thought and outburst is in the form of caste agitations. People are now echoing their concerns about the development model. 

During polls, it is normal to evoke sentiments of voters to win. But, India is changing. Outdated cards won’t work. Around 30% voters are less than 35-year-old. For them Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi are just names, as none of them have seen their government and using their names won’t impact voting.”

Baldev Agja, head of political science department, Sadar Patel University, said, “Since 1995, they have been talking about development. Changing track means development agenda has failed. No political party wants to talk about the election manifesto or what are they going to deliver in next five years or give account of work done in the last five years. Hence, to play sentiment cards like injustice and religion come handy to them.” 

Veteran journalist and analyst Hari Desai said, “When you don’t have answers for people’s resentment, the best way to divert attention is to play offensive card of injustice. But, that fails when people are by and large unhappy with ruling party.” He said in 1975 Babubhai Patel’s Janata Morcha goverment lost majority because Jansangh’s two MLAs switched sides. In 1990, Chimanbhai too would have lost the confidence after BJP withdrew the support, had Congress not extended its support and saved the government. 

In 1995, Keshubhai had to resign because of BJP’s own leader Shankersinh Vaghela’s revolt, that was against Modi’s interference in the government. In none of the case, Congress ever hurt Patel’s leaders’ prospects. The way Mangadh episode was used in Palitana, Desai feels it is an attempt to rub salt on wounds, which should have been avoided. Such issues are brought purely with intention to get away with giving accounts of your government when displeasure with government is visible,” he said.

MODI’S POLITICAL NARRATIVE

Ahmedabad  
Congress did injustice to former Chief Minister\ Madhavsinh Solanki and late Babubhai Jasubhai Patel

Surat  
Congress did injustice towards late Morarji Desai.

Saurashtra  
Congress overthrew Keshubhai Patel and Anandibnen Patel.

WHAT MODI SAID

Kutch 
In 1956, when Anjar was hit by earthquake, the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru did little for Anjar or Kutch. In 2001, when earthquake ravaged Kutch, we rebuilt it.

Morbi  
Machhu dam disaster 1979: When the flood water washed away dam and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Morbi, she was covering face while sitting in the car, whereas RSS workers were disposing bodies. 

Palitana  
Mangadh murder-1984- Do you remember few anti -social elements took law and order in their hands and then government did not protect. Do you want them to come back to power. Just think what will happen?

Ahmedabad  
Congress at Centre never allowed me to work for development.